MADISON – In a move designed to help veterans find civilian work while filling a much-needed labor demand, Wisconsin is waiving some testing for prospective truck drivers with recent military training.

Recently discharged (within in the last year) and active duty military personnel can now use military training to get a commercial driver's license in the state, Gov. Scott Walker said Thursday.

“Not only is this a great benefit for the veterans, who bring valuable experience and skills to our workforce, but Wisconsin businesses will gain by being able to quickly and easily recruit and hire trained and experienced drivers,” he said in a press release.

Recent changes to the federal rules allowed state agencies to make the change under the premise training and testing provided by the military CDL holders is as good, or better, than federal requirements.

Some commercial driver's license tests for certain classes of commercial motor vehicles will be waived by the Wisconsin Department of Motor Vehicles for trained military members. Applicants must still pass commercial knowledge testing.

The trucking industry has been challenged for years to find qualified drivers. The state Department of Workforce Development lists the career as the No. 1 “hot” job in the state based on the growth potential and pay in the industry.

The new rule is similar to the “seamless exchange” for a driver moving to Wisconsin from another state. Applicants must be a Wisconsin resident to be eligible for the waiver, which does not cover the hazardous materials or school bus endorsements